Newport Rams are full of confidence heading into the Baseball Victoria women’s premier 1 grand final this Saturday.
Having finished runners up last season, the Rams became the first team through to the grand final, upsetting minor premiers Springvale.
The Rams were eager onlookers on Saturday’s preliminary final as they waited to see who their opponent would be.
Coach Dean Anglin said it was a big moment for the club to win through to a second straight premier division grand final.
“It was amazing,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ve even beaten Springvale. Since the establishment of the team we have beaten every team and hopefully it’s not a one off.
“To qualify for the grand final is awesome.”
Anglin said the difference this time round against Springvale was their defence.
He said in the past they’d had some lapses of judgement which the Lions would capitalise on, but not this round.
Anglin said it was a really strong team performance.
In a surprise, the Rams will face Doncaster not Springvale in the grand final this Saturday.
In the preliminary final, Doncaster also upset Springvale, winning 5-2.
Anglin said they take plenty of confidence into the match.
“We know the pressure will be on the whole time and we’re playing a really good team,” he said. “It gives the girls the confidence they can achieve the win. Hopefully we can get the win.”
For the Rams, it’s a fourth straight grand final appearance.
They lost a division 2 grand final and then won one the following season.
Last season they made the premier division grand final in their first year in the top flight.
“Hopefully that trend keeps going this year,” Anglin said.
It’ll be a big day for the Rams with their reserves side also playing off in the grand final.
They will face the Springvale Lions.
The side will be going for a third straight premiership.
Anglin said while they are excited to have both teams in the grand final, it’s still about the long term future of the program.
“We are trying to develop players to stay at the club for a long time,” he said. “The club has been really good and it sets us up for the future.
“It’s not about one win, we are looking forward to success as well 20 years after the program started up.”
The reserves will be in action at 1pm with the premier final at 4pm, both at the Melbourne Ballpark on Saturday.
Meanwhile in the men’s premier 1st nine competition, Newport beat Fitzroy in the final round of the regular season on Saturday.
Newport finished the season in 11th.
Williamstown made sure of a finals berth with a 5-3 win against the Werribee Giants.
The Wolves finished in sixth spot.
Finals start this weekend with the Wolves to face Upwey Ftg in an elimination final/
